Form I-512T (TPS Travel Document), Explained
A guide to travel authorization for people with Temporary Protected Status
If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and need to travel outside the United States, you must apply for permission from the U.S. government before you leave. That’s where Form I-512T comes in. This guide will break down what Form I-512T is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.
Important:
Due to stricter immigration enforcement at U.S. ports of entry, it’s a good idea to speak with a qualified immigration attorney before traveling internationally, even if you have approved travel authorization. An attorney can help you understand the risks associated with leaving and returning to the U.S. as a TPS holder.
What is Form I-512T?
Form I-512T (Authorization for Travel by an Alien to the United States) is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for TPS holders. TPS holders use Form I-512T to request authorization to leave and return to the U.S., which preserves their legal status while traveling. To receive Form I-512T, you must file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) and indicate that you are requesting travel authorization based on Temporary Protected Status.
With an approved I-512T, TPS holders receive a physical travel authorization document — sometimes referred to as an “I-512T travel permit” — which they must present when reentering the U.S. This authorization becomes especially important for travel related to:
- Family emergencies
- Educational programs
- Employment-related reasons
- Humanitarian purposes
Leaving the U.S. without approved travel authorization can result in:
- Denied reentry at a U.S. port of entry
- Loss of TPS status
- Removal (deportation) proceedings
Why Form I-512T Matters
For years, TPS holders faced uncertainty when traveling abroad. Before a policy change on July 1, 2022, TPS beneficiaries relied on Form I-512L (Advance Parole), which allowed reentry but did not always count as a formal or lawful “admission” for green card eligibility.
Now, with Form I-512T, TPS holders who return using this document are considered “inspected and admitted,” an important requirement for adjusting status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This change also helps USCIS better track TPS-specific travel.cides to abandon their green card while speaking with them.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Form I-512T?
You may apply to receive Form I-512T if:
- You are a current TPS beneficiary or have a pending TPS application (Form I-821)
- You have a valid reason for travel, such as family emergencies, work, or humanitarian needs
- You are not subject to other grounds of inadmissibility or removal
Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is at the discretion of USCIS.
Form I-512T Cost
There is no fee for Form I-512T. However, there are associated costs with TPS travel authorization, including:
- Form I-131 filing fee (cannot be waived for travel purposes): $630
- Document translation and notary services (if applicable)
- Travel arrangements once approved
Processing Time for I-512T
Form I-512T is sent to an applicant once their Form I-131 is approved. The current average processing time for Form I-131 is 8-15 months, depending on USCIS workloads at your local field office. To check the current estimated time, use USCIS’s Case Processing Times tool.
USCIS delays are common, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as you know you may need to travel to avoid jeopardizing your legal status.
How to Apply for TPS Travel Authorization
To travel on TPS, follow the steps below:
- Download and complete Form I-131 from the USCIS website. In Part 2, select Item 1d – “I am applying for an advance parole document” to request travel authorization based on your TPS.
- Gather all required documents and supporting evidence, including:
- Proof of TPS status (pending or approved Form I-821)
- Reason for travel
- Documentation supporting your need to travel (e.g. medical records, wedding invitations, letters, or proof of emergency)
- Mail your application to the address listed for your country’s TPS designation on the USCIS website
- Pay the $630 filing fee for Form I-131 (no fee waivers available for this purpose)
- Check USCIS’s online case status tool
- Receive your Form I-512T travel document before traveling
Boundless Tip
USCIS travel authorization does not extend or renew your TPS status. Make sure your TPS designation is still valid during your trip and when you return to the U.S.
Form I-512T FAQs
No, You must wait for USCIS to approve and issue your I-512T before leaving the United States, even if your I-131 is pending. Traveling before receiving this document will almost always result in denial of your travel authorization and could jeopardize your immigration status as well as your ability to return to the U.S.
Typically, a TPS travel document is valid for the duration of your documented need for travel and often aligns with the current TPS term or up to one year, as determined by USCIS. Always review your approval notice for specific validity dates and entry conditions.
Yes, you can travel with TPS for non-emergency reasons, such as visiting family, attending personal events, or handling legal or consular paperwork.
Expedited processing for Form I-512T is available, but only in limited emergency or urgent circumstances. USCIS considers expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and generally requires you to submit documentation supporting your request. The decision to expedite is at the sole discretion of USCIS, and not all requests that meet these criteria will be approved. If you are requesting expedited processing for a travel document, you should make your request on your pending application and provide all relevant supporting evidence.
No. While it allows you to request reentry, the final decision is made by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry. To avoid issues at the port of entry, bring the following with you when reentering:
- Your original Form I-512T travel document
- Valid TPS approval notice (Form I-821)
- Passport or travel ID
- Documentation supporting your reason for travel (e.g. return flight, event invitation, emergency documents)
You cannot renew or extend an I-512T travel permit. If your travel authorization expires, you must submit a new Form I-131 to apply for a new I-512T travel document. There is no process to extend or renew an existing I-512T; once it expires, a new application is required.
Form I-512T may be valid for either single or multiple entries, depending on what is granted and stated on your approval notice. You must review your approval notice to determine whether you can use your I-512T for multiple trips or need to apply again for future travel.
Yes, each family member with TPS — including children — must file their own I-131 to receive individual travel authorization.
Traveling and returning to the United States with Form I-512T as a TPS holder is treated as a lawful admission for purposes of adjustment of status and obtaining a green card.
Reentry is generally safe with approved travel authorization, but risks may still exist if your background has immigration or criminal issues. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney if you have any concerns.